Presiding Officer Ousted Over Pre-Signed Result Sheets

A significant breach of electoral protocol has led to the immediate removal of a senior election official in the Jhenaidah-4 constituency. The administration took decisive action on Wednesday night following the discovery of 23 blank result sheets that had been signed in advance by polling agents at the Salimunnessa Pilot Girls’ School centre in Kaliganj.

Discovery of the Malpractice

The irregularity came to light at approximately 8:30 pm during a high-level inspection involving Executive Magistrate Selim Reza, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Returning Officer Rizwana Nahid, and Additional Superintendent of Police Mahfuz Hossain. The inspection party, which also included members of the Bangladesh Army and the press, uncovered the documents which should only be signed once a final count is concluded.

According to Magistrate Selim Reza, the issue surfaced when an individual arrived to submit credentials as a polling agent for the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, Abu Taleb. In an apparent attempt to “expedite the process,” the Presiding Officer reportedly induced the agent to sign the blank forms prematurely.

Administrative Consequences

The District Returning Officer, Md. Abdullah Masud, confirmed the authenticity of the report and took immediate disciplinary measures. The Presiding Officer in question, Jesmin Ara, an Assistant Engineer with the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), was summarily withdrawn from her electoral duties.

While Jesmin Ara admitted to the procedural lapse as a “mistake,” she clarified that the signatures obtained belonged to agents representing both the ‘Dhaner Sheer’ (Sheaf of Paddy) and ‘Daripalla’ (Scales) symbols. To maintain the sanctity of the ballot, the compromised sheets were seized, and a fresh set of documentation was issued to the polling station.

Incident Summary: Jhenaidah-4 Electoral Breach

Commitment to Neutrality

The District Returning Officer emphasised that the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting a fair and transparent general election. A replacement Presiding Officer has already been appointed and has joined the station to oversee the upcoming polling procedures.

“We are determined to organise a neutral and impartial election,” stated Mr Masud, noting that any negligence or deviation from the established legal framework would be met with swift accountability. The situation at the Salimunnessa centre is currently reported to be under control, with heightened vigilance from security forces to prevent further procedural anomalies.